By Ashley Redman
Leatherhead chairman Peter Ashdown has praised the club’s friends for their support after Thursday night’s storms once again submerged Fetcham Grove under water.
The Tanners’ ground on Guildford Road was flooded over Christmas when the adjacent River Mole burst its banks.
Waters receded during a lull in the weather, but New Year storms brought renewed misery for the Ryman Division One South side.
Ashdown said the club is unlikely to be able to fulfil any home fixtures until at least January 25, meaning the postponement of three games.
However, every cloud has a silver lining and Ashdown has been overwhelmed by the support of the community.
He said: “It has been difficult to get tradesmen into the ground to carry out the specialist work, but we have been inundated with help from volunteers.
“We have had fantastic support from the fans. They aren’t just supporters but they are friends, it has been quite moving.”
He added: “Next week’s home match against Ramsgate on January 11 is likely to be postponed, so January 25 a more realistic target.
“The major problem is not the water-logged pitch, but rather the infrastructure around the ground.
“But we’re taking one day at a time, it is all we can do with the weather remaining so unpredictable.”
The club has launched a flood appeal fund, and donations can be sent to 3 Squirrels Green, Great Bookham, Surrey KT23 3LE, with cheques payable to Leatherhead Football Club.
Turnstiles: Scene of devastation
Tough times: Fetcham Grove has succumbed twice to the rising waters of the River Mole
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